Auto Insurance Review
Key takeaways
USAA ranks #1 for affordability among major car insurance carriers, with average rates of $248 monthly.
— QuoteYeti editorial team
- 02 Customer experience ranks #1 based on J.D. Power scores, NAIC complaint data, and online sentiment.
- 03 Coverage breadth scores #1 — see the coverage section below for which add-ons set USAA apart.
USAA ratings
How much does USAA cost?
USAA car insurance costs drivers $248 monthly on average, or $2,976 annually — -25% compared to the national average. Actual rates vary significantly based on your profile, location, and coverage selections. Use the cost-by-category table below to see how USAA typically prices different driver profiles.
Avg monthly
$248
Avg annual
$2,976
vs. national avg
-25%
How USAA compares
−25% below the national average for comparable coverage.
Rates by category
| Category | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers (clean record) | $211 | $248 | #1 |
| Young drivers (18–25) | $546 | $620 | #1 |
| Senior drivers (65+) | $236 | $273 | #1 |
| Drivers with one accident | $347 | $409 | #3 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $496 | $570 | #4 |
| Drivers with bad credit | $422 | $471 | #3 |
USAA earns #1 overall in our auto rankings — the kind of performance that rewards a closer look, not a coin flip.
USAA reputation
USAA ranks #1 in QuoteYeti's customer experience study for car insurance. The score blends J.D. Power survey data, NAIC complaint ratios (0.51 versus an industry-wide 1.00 average), and member sentiment from public review sources. Customers consistently praise USAA for responsive service and smooth claims experiences.
Step 01
Buying process
Buying coverage from USAA is a strong experience for most drivers. The quoting process is primarily online with phone support available for complex situations.
Step 02
Policy management
Day-to-day policy management at USAA is straightforward, with self-service through both the mobile app and web portal. Members typically rate the digital experience as competent if not standout.
Step 03
Claims experience
Claims handling at USAA is consistently strong, with NAIC complaint data well below the industry average and J.D. Power scores reflecting member satisfaction. For straightforward claims (windshield repairs, minor incidents), most drivers report fast resolution. Complex claims requiring extensive investigation can take longer.
Independent industry ratings
Independent ratings from major financial-strength and customer-satisfaction agencies:
| Source | Score | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength 1 A.M. Best Insurance-industry credit rating agency since 1899. A++ is the highest financial-strength grade. | A++ (Superior) | Superior ability to meet financial obligations — only the top tier of P&C companies earn this rating |
| S&P Global Financial Strength 2 S&P Global Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Insurance financial-strength grades from AAA (strongest) to D. | AA+ | Very strong capacity to meet financial commitments |
| J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction 3 J.D. Power Consumer satisfaction surveys with 12,000+ policyholders annually. Scores run 0–1000; above 800 is considered excellent. | 890/1,000 | Above industry average |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio 4 NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their complaint index is 1.0 = average; lower is better. | 0.51 | Substantially fewer complaints than expected for company size |
USAA discounts
USAA offers 6 discounts to help reduce your premium:
| Discount | Average savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| SafePilot (Telematics) | Up to 30% | Enroll in the SafePilot app for safe-driving monitoring |
| Storage Discount | Up to 60% | Vehicle stored during military deployment |
| Family Discount | Up to 10% | Adding spouse or family members to your policy |
| Multi-Vehicle | Up to 15% | Insure two or more vehicles together |
| Defensive Driving Course | Up to 10% | Complete an approved defensive driving course |
| Military Installation | Up to 15% | Vehicle garaged on a military base |
USAA coverage options
USAA offers a comprehensive coverage menu typical of major car insurance carriers, with several add-ons that set it apart from competitors. The table below details the main add-ons available.
| Add-on coverage | What it covers | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Accident Forgiveness | Prevents rate increases after your first at-fault accident | Available after five years of accident-free driving with USAA |
| Roadside Assistance | Towing, jump-starts, lockout service, fuel delivery, and tire changes | Available 24/7 across the US and Canada |
| Rental Reimbursement | Rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired | Daily limits apply; choose from multiple coverage tiers |
| Glass Coverage | Windshield and glass repair or replacement | Some states waive the deductible for windshield repairs |
Pros and cons
Ordered by impact. The top item in each column is the one we'd weight heaviest in a recommendation.
What's working
- Top pro Lowest rates nationally for most driver profiles who qualify for membership
- Highest J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction in the industry
- Dedicated programs for military families, including deployment and storage discounts
- Strong digital tools that complement personalized phone service
- Best-in-class financial strength rating (AM Best A++)
What's not
- Top con Membership restricted to active-duty military, veterans, and immediate family members
- Limited local agent network — service is primarily digital and phone-based
- Less product variety than larger general-market insurers
- Coverage gaps in some specialty areas like rideshare driving
Our verdict
The bottom line
USAA earns an overall score of 4.86/5 in QuoteYeti's car insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #1 nationally, with particular strength in affordability.
USAA is best suited for drivers who prioritize the lowest possible rate. Membership restricted to active-duty military, veterans, and immediate family members is the most common drawback to weigh against the strengths.
As always, compare quotes from multiple insurers before committing. The right carrier depends on your specific profile — driving record, claims history, location, and coverage needs all shift the math.
Frequently asked questions
Is USAA a good car insurance company?
USAA is a legitimate car insurance carrier with a financial-strength rating of A++ (Superior). It ranks #1 overall and #1 in affordability in QuoteYeti's editorial comparison of major car insurance providers.
How much does USAA car insurance cost?
USAA averages $248 monthly ($2,976 annually) — -25% versus the national average. Your actual rate depends on your profile, location, and coverage choices. Use the cost-by-category table above to see how USAA typically prices different drivers.
What discounts does USAA offer?
USAA offers 6 primary discounts, including SafePilot (Telematics), Storage Discount, Family Discount. See the full discount table above for eligibility and average savings.
Does USAA have good claims handling?
USAA's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.51 (1.00 is the industry average, so lower is better). This is well below the average — meaning fewer customer complaints relative to volume. J.D. Power claims scores rate 890/1,000.
Should I choose USAA or a competitor?
USAA is strongest for drivers who want the lowest rates. Compare quotes from at least three carriers — USAA's rates and offerings vary significantly based on your specific profile, and the carrier that fits best can differ for drivers in different situations.
How we rated USAA
QuoteYeti's car insurance rankings are designed to surface where each carrier actually wins and loses. We don't accept payment for ranking placement, and our methodology is published in full so you can audit how we reach our conclusions.
60%
Cost
We compare quotes across multiple drivers profiles, measuring how competitively each carrier prices its policies against local and national competitors. Data is normalized to comparable coverage levels.
30%
Customer satisfaction
We analyze customer feedback from J.D. Power member studies, NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, and public review sources to assess overall service quality and claims handling.
10%
Coverage breadth
We evaluate each carrier's coverage menu, scoring the variety of available endorsements, unique features, and gap-filling options.